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PRESENTATION 




$gimmfel 




TO THE LEGISLATUHE. 




200,000 COPIES ORDERED PUBLISHED BY 

JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE LEOISLArURE. 

1863. 




HIS EXCELLEN'CY 




HORATIO SEYMOUR, 

COMMMDER-m-CHIEF OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. 



^ 




ADJUTANT GENERAL, 

Brig. Gen. JOHN T. SPRAGUE, 

(Lt. Coi, lllh Infantry U. S. Army 
INSPECTOR GENERAL, 

Brig. Gen. JOSIAH T. MILLER. 

ENGINEER-IN-CHIEF, 

Brig. Gen. ISAAC VANDERPOEL. 

JUDGE ADVOCATE GENERAL, 

Brig. Gen. NELSON J.WATERBURY. 

SURGEON GENERAL, 

Brig. Gen. JOHN V. P. QUACKENBUSH. 

QUARTERMASTER GENERAL, 

Brig. Gen. S. VISSCHER TALCOTT. 

MILITARY SECRETARY, 

Maj. WILLIAM KIDD. 



Albany, N. Y.. May 24:th, 1863. 






( CI I^ CTJ Ij -A.K. _ ) 



General Head-Quarters— State of New York. 



'ICE, I 
1, 1863. ) 



ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE, 
Albany, January 21, 

In connection with instructions from these 
Head-Quarters, dated Albany, N. Y., December 
2d, 1862, Commanders of New York State troops, 
in the field, are desired to transmit an annual 
return of casualties in the following form, com- 
mencing January 1st, 1862, and ending December 
31st, 1862. The following will be adhered to as 
closely as possible : 



Strength of regi- 
ment January 1, 
1862. 


is 

P5 


a 

o 


Died from dis- 
eases, wounds, 
and other causes. 


Actions in which the 
regiment has parti- 
cipated. 













It is desired that all regimental colors, worn 
^ out in service, and of consolidated regiments, 







be forwarded to these Head-Quarters, as well as 
captured flags, banners, &c., that they may be 
deposited in the archives of the State, in an 
appropriate manner, as a record of the valor and 
fortitude of her sons. A minute history of the 
flags is important, and a detailed statement of the 
services of the regiment will be appropriate. 
JOHN T. SPRAGUE, 

Adjutant General. 






BTJEEAU OF MILITARY STATISTICS. 




The Legislature of this State has recently made 
provision for obtaining, and preserving in perma- 
nent form, the history of New York troops engaged 
in the present war. The plan contemplates the 
collection of documents and records pertaining to 
regiments and other commands, and, as far as 
possible, an authentic sketch of every person in 
the State who has volunteered into the service 
of the General Government since the loth day of 
April, 1861. The records of the services of the 
several regiments will, so far as possible, include 
an account of their organization, and subsequent 
history and operations, together with an account 
of the aid, in men and means, afforded by the 
several towns, cities and counties of the State 
towards the prosecution of the present war. 

It is intended to form a collection of the flags 
of regiments, as they may from time to time be 
replaced by new ones, or as the regiments arc 
consolidated or mustered out, and to preserve 
such trophies and relics as may be procured. 






8 

extensive a collection as possible will be made 
of biographical notices, journals, narratives, pub- 
lished documents, correspondence and original 
papers. These will be carefully kept for future 
reference and use, under such regulations as may 
be deemed necessary for their safety. Such pho- 
tographic or other portraits of officers or privates 
as may be contributed to the collection, Avill be 
indexed and bound, or otherwise preserved. 

The active co-operation of officers and soldiers 
now, or formerly in the public service, is resjDect- 
fully solicited in increasing the collections already 
begun. To facilitate preservation, manuscripts 
prepared for this office should be written upon 
common sized foolscap paper, using, if practicable, 
but one side, and always allowing an inch margin 
on the left hand side. When equally convenient, 
photographs upon paper are preferable to portraits 
taken upon glass or metal ; they may then be 
easily preserved in volumes prepared for the pur- 
pose. The united effi)rts of our citizens, both in 
and out of the public service, may, it is hoped, 
form a collection that will acquire an interest 
and value commensurate with the mag 'tude and 
importance of the subject, and present a lasting 






9 

evidence of the patriotic efforts of the people of 
the State of New York in the preservation of the 
Union, to which they have ever been constantly 
and earnestly devoted. 

All communications or donations intended for 
this purpose should be addressed to 

Col. LOCKWOOD L. DOTY, 
Chief of Bureau of Military Statistics, 

Albany, N. Y. 








PROCEEDINGS i REGARD TO PRESEmiM OF FLAGS. 




In Assembly, Thursday, April 2Sd, 1863. 
Mr. McLean offered, for the consideration of the 
House, a resolution in the words following, to wit : 

" Whereas, there are now in the possession of 
the Adjutant General of this State a number of 
national and regimental flags, which have been 
gallantly borne by our brave volunteer regiments 
until, blood-dyed and torn, they are no longer of 
use in the field ; therefore, 

*' Resolved, That a respectful message be sent to 
the Honorable the Senate, inviting them to a joint 
meeting with this House, to be held in the Assem- 
bly Chamber on Friday, 24th inst., at 12 o'clock m., 
His Excellency the Governor presiding, when 
the Adjutant General will present these flags to 
the State for preservation." 

Mr. Speaker put the question whether the 
House would agree to said resolution, and it was 
determined in the affirmative. 

In Assembly, April 24/A, 1863. 

The hour of 12 o'clock having arrived, 

Mr. Davis moved that a committee be appointed 

to wait upon the Honorable the Senate and inform 

them that the House are ready for joint meeting 

11 






12 

Mr. Speaker put the question whether the 
House would agree to said motion, and it was 
determined in the affirmative. 

Mr. Speaker appointed Messrs. Davis and 
Weaver as such committee. 

Mr. Depew moved that a like committee be 
appointed to wait upon the Governor. 

Mr. Speaker put the question whether the 
House would agree to said motion, and it was 
determined in the affirmative. 

Mr. Speaker aj)pointed as such committee 
Messrs. Depew and Van Buren. 

Mr. BosTwiCK moved the appointment of a com- 
mittee to wait upon the Adjutant General. 

Mr. Speaker put the question whether the 
House would agree to said motion, and it was 
determined in the affirmative. 

Mr. Speaker appointed Messrs. Bostwick and 
Marshall as such committee. 

At the same time corresponding proceedings 
took place in the Senate, viz : 

In Senate, ^;?n7 24/A, 1863. 
A message was sent by the Assembly, inclosing 
the above resolution of Mr. McLean, and 





I 




13 

Mr. Smith moved that the Senate consent to 
the meeting proposed in said resolution. 

The President put the question whether the 
Senate would agree to said motion, and it was 
determined in the affirmative. 

Mr. Davis and Mr. Weaver, a committee from 
the Assembly, appeared and announced that the 
Assembly was now ready to meet the Senate in 
joint convention, in pursuance of the resolution 
heretofore adopted for the purpose of receiving 
on behalf of the State the national flags in the 
possession of the Adjutant General of the State. 

The Sergeant-at-Arms of the Assembly then 
appeared at the bar of the House and announced 
the appearance of committees of the House, with 
the Governor, the Senate and Adjutant General 
of the State. 

The Assembly rose, and the Senators took 
seats in front of the Speaker's desk, the Governor 
occupying the chair, with Lieut. Governor David 
R. Floyd Jones on his right, and the Speaker of 
the Assembly, the Hon. Theophilus C Callicot, 
on his left. 

Adjutant General Sprague then advanced to the 
Speaker's desk, followed by seven flags, borne 






14 

by members of his Staff, amidst the enthusiastic 
applause of the House and audience. 

After the convention had been called to order 
by Governor Seymour, the flags being arranged in 
front of the Speaker's desk, 

Adjutant General Sprague spoke as follows : 

" These mute but expressive monitors speak a 
language of their own, leaving but little for me 
to say. They come here breathing the fervid 
eloquence of patriotism, of loyalty, gallantry, 
fortitude, and fidelity to our country and to the 
Union ; they come from battle fields warm with 
the blood of our countrymen. As this assemblage 
gazes upon them, with hearts overflowing with 
emotion, how little can those who have not been 
associated, appreciate the trials and toils of those 
men, who have fought under and around these 
banners, contending with a fierce and vigilant foe, 
who, with unrelenting prejudice and vindictive 
hate, are struggling to destroy this Government, 
which, for so many years, has secured to us pros- 
pierity and happiness, and commanded the respect 
of the civilized world. 

" While our hearts are sad, as well as grateful, 
we feel a spirit of exultation and pride that. 






15 

though these banners have come back torn, tat- 
tered and soiled, they have never been dishonored, 
and have been carried by bold, patriotic and 
intrepid men through the fierce conflict, and 
have come forth with victory perched upon their 
eagles. 

" Very near do these returning colors come to 
hearthstones of the citizens of this State — to many 
within the sound of my voice. Fathers, mothers, 
brothers and sisters, once followed them to the 
camp, and with sorrowful, but with willing hearts, 
bid God speed to those whose affections clustered 
around the domestic hearthstone. 

"Many weary days and nights have they 
watched the wavering storm of battle, though 
distant, but in painful reality, as its surging wave 
broke at the domestic fireside. The colors have 
returned, but many of the followers are left ; and 
as we recount their noble deeds, the parent's heart 
warms with a glow of gratitude and pride that 
they had a son whose noble example has won the 
love of his countrymen, and who has given a 
guaranty of the perpetuity of our Union. Yes ! 
these banners are greeted with warmth and affec- 
tion; cherished relatives and friends have not 






16 

lived to return with them, but in their absence 
we embrace the standards and kiss their eagles. 

" My task is done. I now commit to you, sir, 
as the Commander-in-Chief of the State of New 
York, these banners, in compliance with the 
request of the officers mentioned, knowing that 
they will be cherished by the State, as all others 
will be now in the field, 

" When you and I, sir, shall have passed 
away, when this vast assemblage, now heaving 
with emotion, shall be mingled with the dust, 
these mementoes will live ; history will claim its 
triumph, when the integrity and sacrifices of our 
countrymen will be appreciated, understood and 
rewarded. 

" Let there be selected by this united body a 
suitable depository ; there let them hang, so that 
in time to come, when our country is restored to 
its original purity and greatness, when rebellion 
shall be crushed, our children's children shall 
gather under the folds, and with pride and 
enthusiasm narrate the deeds of their fathers, 
and glory in the sacrifices and sorrows which 
achieved the restitution of our country." 

General Sprague then designated the respective 
colors presented, as follows, each color being waved 
as it was mentioned : 





17 



COLORS OF THE 30tli REGIMENT N. T. S.V. 





Col. Frisby, of Albany, originally commanded 
this regiment, which was raised in Washington, 
Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Warren, Columbia 
and Dutchess counties, comprising at date of 
departure, June 24th, 1861, 800 men. 

This regiment participated in the battles of 
Falmouth, Rappahannock Crossing, Gainesville, 
Groveton, Bull Run (2d), South Mountain, Antie- 
TAM and Fredericksburg. 

At the last battle of Bull Run these colors fell 
during the engagement in the hands of ten differ- 
ent soldiers, shot dead on the field. Thirty-six 
balls passed through the Stars and Stripes, and 
the staff was shot into splinters. Two hundred 
men out of three hundred and forty-one were 
killed or wounded ; fourteen out of seventeen 
line officers fell upon the field ; among them was 
Col. Edward Frisby, of Albany. 

This regiment was mustered into the United 

States service 800 strong. At the battle of Antie- 

tam but forty-nine officers and men reported for 
3 





18 

duty; it now comprises of the old soldiers 
twenty-seven officers and men — all that now 
remain for duty of the original members. Three 
stand of colors were captured from the enemy at 
the battle of South Mountain, and at Antietam 
four flags were captured. 

Col. William M. Searing commanded this regi- 
ment, and Lieut. Col. M. H. Chrysler now trans- 
mits these colors from the field, to be presented 
to the State of New York. 






COLORS OF THE 40tli REGIMENT K Y. S.V. 



This regiment was originally commanded by 
Col. Edwaed J. Riley, of New York city, and is 
known as 

"THE MOZART REGIMENT," 
and was raised in the city of New York, compris- 
ing at date of departure, July 4th, 186 1, 1039 men. 

Col. Thomas W. Egan now commands the regi- 
ment, and transmits this flag to be presented to 
the State of New York. A minute history of 
the colors has not as yet been received. 





20 




COLOES OF THE 60tli REGIMENT N. T. S.V. 




This regiment, known as 
*'THE OGDENSBURGH REGIMENT," 
was originally commanded by Col. Wm. B. Hay- 
ward, who soon after resigned, and was raised in 
St, Lawrence county, comprising at date of depar- 
ture, November 4th, 1801, 1000 men. 

Lieut. Col. J. C. 0. Reddington is now in com- 
mand of this regiment, which, at present, numbers 
about 600 men. It has participated in the battle 
of Cedar Mountain, where thirty men were killed 
and seventy-three wounded. Four of the Color 
Guard were shot down on the field while bearing 
their colors. The regiment held the field until 
their ammunition was exhausted, the men using 
the cartridges and guns of the dead and wounded. 
The regiment was commanded here by Mnjor J. E. 
Lane. This regiment participated in the battles 
of the last Bull Run, Sulphur Springs and Antie- 
TAM, in which it lost sixty-three in killed and 
wounded. 

Lieut. Col, J. C. 0. Reddington transmits the 
banner, to be deposited with the State. 






m 



2.1 




COLORS OF THE 61st REGIMENT N. Y. S.V. 



This regiment is known as 

"THE CLINTON GUARD," 
and was originally commanded by Col. Spencer 
H. Cone. It was raised in the city of New York 
in October, 1861, and comprised at the date of 
departure, November 10th, 1861, 831 men. 

Its flag has been borne through the battles of 
YoRKTOWN, Fair Oaks, Peach Orchard, Savage Sta- 
tion, White Oak Swamp, Charles City Cross-roads, 
Antietam, Malvern Hill, Charlestown, Snicker's 
Gap and Fredericksburg. 

At the battle of Fair Oaks four officers were 
killed and four wounded. One hundred and 
twelve were killed and wounded. The Color 
Bearer, with four of the Color Guard, were killed 
on the field. 

At Peach Orchard and Savage Station one. 

At White Oak Swamp two commissioned officers 
and twelve men were killed. 

At Charles City Cross-roads six commissioned 
^ officers were severely wounded, and over fifty 






22 % 

men were killed and wounded. One flag was 
taken from a Georgia regiment, inscribed with 
" Williamsburgh " and "Seven Pines." 

At Malvern Hill fifty men were killed and 
wounded. 

At Antietam the regiment went into action 
only two hundred strong ; captured two flags 
from the enemy, and took about three hundred 
prisoners. 

At Fredericksburg forty men were killed and 
wounded. 

The flag is now sent by Col. Nelson A. Miles 
from the field, to be presented to the State of 
New York. 






23 




COLORS OF THE 71st REGIMENT N. T. S.V., 

OB "SECOND EXCELSIOR EKGIMENT." 



This regiment was organized in the city of New- 
York, and originally commanded by Col. George 
B Hall, comprising at the date of their departure, 
August 18th, 1861, 900 men. 

It effected the successful raid at Stafford Court 
House, and participated in the battles of Fair Oaks, 
Charles City Cross-roads, Malvern Hill, Bristow 
Station, Bull Run (2d), Chantilly and Fredericks- 
burg. 

The colors are now transmitted from the field 
by Col. Chas. B. Hall, commanding the regiment. 






24 




OOLOES OF THE 101st REGIMENT N.T. S.V. 



This regiment was originally commanded by 
Col. Eurico Fardella, but has been consolidated 
with the 37th N. Y. V., and was raised in Onon- 
daga and Delaware counties, and was comprised 
at the date of departure, March 9th, 1862, of 
1000 men. 

It participated in the battles of Seven Pines, 
Peach Orchard, Savage Station, Chicahominy 
Swamp, White Oak Swamp, Charles' City Cross- 
roads, Malvern Hill, Groveton, Bull Run (2d), 
Chantilly and Fredericksburg. 

The colors are now transmitted from the field, 
through the hands of the Adjutant of the regi- 
ment, Lieut. Richard P. Eagan, to be deposited 
in the State. 






25 



COLORS OF THE 102d EEGIMENT K Y. S.V. 




This regiment is known as 

" THE VAN BUREN LIGHT INFANTRY," 
and was originally commanded by Col. Thomas B. 
Van Buren, wlio soon after resigned. It was 
raised in the city of New York, and comprised at 
the date of departure, March 8th, 1862, 840 men. 

This regiment participated in the Defence of 
Harper's Ferry ; in the battles of Cedar Mountain 
and Antietam ; in Pope's Retreat to Centreville ; 
in the Surrender of Winchester, and in the battle 
of White Sulphur Springs. 

It has lost two officers killed in battle, and 
forty-nine men killed and wounded. 

The colors are now transmitted by Col. Jas. C. 
Lane, commanding the regiment, to be deposited 
with the State. 







26 

Senator Smith offered the following resolutions : 

The People of the State of New York, repre- 
sented in Senate and Assembly, in joint conven- 
tion do hereby tender to their volunteers in the 
service of the United States their deepest grati- 
tude for the sacrifices which these patriotic men 
have made in leaving their firesides and their 
employments at home, to sustain the honor and 
integrit}^ of the Union. 

Resolved, That we will uphold our armies in the 
field, and sustain at home the families and the 
rights and interests of our volunteers in the service 
of the United States until the Union shall be 
restored, and until the flag of our country shall 
float again on every fort and in every harbor, 
town, city, and hamlet in the States now in rebel- 
lion against the General Government. 

Resolved, That the flags which have been this 
day presented by the Adjutant General in the 
presence of the Executive and Legislative depart- 
ments of this State, and which have been so 
gallantly borne in battle, be accepted and placed 
among the archives of the State in the Bureau of 
Military Statistics, now in charge of Col. Doty, 
and be preserved as memorials of that eternal 
vigilance which is the price of liberty, - 

Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions, and 
of the proceedings of this joint convention of 
the Senate and Assembly, be transmitted by his 
Excellency the Governor, to the commandant of 
each regiment and separate corjjs or battalion of 







27 

volunteers from this State, now in the service of 
the United States. 

Mr. FoLGER, Senator from the 26th (Ontario) 
district, said: 

Your Excellency — I should have preferred to 
have sat here, a sad and silent spectator of these 
interesting proceedings, rather than to have taken 
an active participation in them ; for, to my mind, 
the sensations excited by the scene we now behold, 
are sorrowful and despondent. 

I have seen many flags of regiments go out of 
this State to the seat of war, attractive and beau- 
tiful in the shining lustre of their silken folds, and 
the glitter of their untarnished eagles, and doubly 
attractive and beautiful from the heartfelt aspira- 
tions for success which went with them, and the 
hallowed associations which clung to them as sym- 
bols of our country's nationality. I have seen 
them go out, borne by the young and gallant, the 
ardent in their country's cause, and surrounded 
by the friends and relatives of the departing 
brave, and fanned by the cheers and hearty God- 
speeds of the community which they were leav- 
ing. Such a scene had much of exciting exultation 
in it. It seemed, that going in so just a cause 






28 

borne by such brave and patriotic youth, and 
favored by the good wishes and prayers of such 
loyal communities, that they went only to certain 
and speedy victory. But never, until to-day, 
have I seen any of these colors come back, frayed 
and torn by the rude elements, and pierced by 
the ruder hostile missile, and with blood spots and 
battle rents upon them. They come back, but 
not in the hands which carried them forth ; not 
surrounded by the stout hearts Avho left with 
them, and who defended them in many a day of 
peril ; but they come in the hands of strangers 
to all their eventful history, and surrounded by 
those who have shed no blood and dared no peril 
in their defence. 

And, sir, it is difficult, in the rush of feeling 
which fills the heart, to control one's impulses, 
and to collect such words and sentiments as are 
appropriate to be uttered and used in this place 
on such an occasion ; for, as your Adjutant General 
has read the stories of these flags, and uttered the 
familiar names of the bloody fields where they 
have been so gallantly upheld and pushed forward, 
and has related the fate of the brave men who 
* have borne then thought after thought, and 

i& __^(^ 





29 

memory after memory, of those whom I have 
known, who have laid down their lives in this 
fierce war, have fallen into my mind, until, like a 
vase of water, into which pebbles are slowly and 
silently dropped, my surcharged heart has near 
run over at my eyes. And high above all the 
applauding uproar, with which this chamber is 
filled, there comes a sound from every city and 
village, and hamlet, and cross-road, and solitary 
farm house, in all this broad commonwealth, which 
fills my ear and penetrates my soul. It is the 
wail of women, and the sadder, deeper accompa- 
niment of the sob of men ; it is the wail of the 
widow, and of the fatherless, and of the childless, 
and of the bereaved in every relation of life ; it 
is America weejDing for her children and refusing 
to be comforted because they are not. 

Oh! my country! truly the great and awful 
God has laid his heavy hand in hot displeasure 
upon thee, and it needs a sublime faith in his far- 
seeing and far-ordaining Providence to look on 
through the lengthening vista, shot athwart by 
the storm of battle, and dim with shower of blood, 
and to see in the far distance a re-established 







30 

Union, a restored Constitution, a renewed nation- 
ality, fresh of life and pure from wrong. 

You, sir, will recollect, familiar as you are with 
all classic allusion, the verse of the Latin poet, 
that ■■' sentiments sent through the ear, more 
slowly affect the mind, than impressions sub- 
jected to the lively eyes." Thus we, who have 
remained at home, and ever since these hostilities 
began, have heard and read of the sufferings, the 
heroic actions and determined valor of our soldiers, 
have, perhaps, suj^posed that we appreciated them 
and realized the wearing trials, the days and 
nights of toil and exposure, and the imminent 
peril of the battle field, thick-set with the chances 
of death. But the sicrht of these tattered and 
blood-stained colors, in which we may perceive 
what the elements have done, and what the bullet 
has done upon them, brings home more vividly 
than any written or spoken words, the trials and 
the braver}^ of the devoted men who have borne 
them through many a field of battle, and defended 
them from many a fierce assault. Silent they 
stand here before us, but they tell a tale which 
stirs the imagination more than any recital. 








31 

And, sir, tarnished in their material substance, 
and battered as they are, with their gloss and 
glitter long since gone, they have a glory and a 
lustre far greater than tongue can express. Look- 
ing at them, and recalling to mind the names of 
those fields <jf heroic steadfastness and daring, 
where they have been planted and maintained, 
the soul swells, as if with a share of the lofty 
gallantry, of the men who stood beneath and 
about them, and dared death, and often met 
death, to preserve them from disgrace, and to 
add to their honor and renown; and the soul 
goes out, in great gratitude to the men who, 
zealous and patriotic, have filled the ranks of 
the nation's armies, and stood her living bul- 
warks in the time of her sore trial We revere 
the memory of the soldiers of the revolution; we 
honor the soldiers of the later war with Britain ; 
and I fondly believe, that in the coming era, the 
generations shall be taught in equal measure to 
revere and honor the soldiers of the Constitution, 
the defenders of the nationality of the greater 
commonwealth. 

And, sir, this scene teaches us a lesson by which 
we here, as representatives and public servants, 

(5 







32 

may well profit. We have been engaged during 
the session, now about to close, in fierce party 
strife, and in strenuous struggle for mere personal 
interests, and have too much neglected those 
graver matters, and more vital questions, which 
the perils and sufferings of the nation should have 
forced upon us. It is well, that in these last 
days of the session, these silent monitors should 
com.e to shame us, and to admonish us that we 
are engaged in a struggle that should unite all 
men, to the abnegation of party, and of private 
interests, in the defence of a common country; 
and that, abandoning party strife, and laying 
aside personal matters and aims, we should 
emulate the devotion of the brave men who have 
borne these flags through the fields of real battle. 
Let us take this lesson to heart, and while we at 
home can but feebly realize the trials and the 
dangers of those who are actively engaged in this 
fearful strife, let us, so far as in our power is, labor 
here for the same end to which they are devoted, 
the salvation of the country, the re-establishment 
of the Union, and the preservation of our nation- 
ality. Thus may we best honor the noble men 






33 

who have filled our armies and sustained the glory 
of our arms 

I second the motion that these resolutions be 
adopted. 

Hon. T C. Fields, of New York, said: 
Your Excellency — I think that every member 
of this joint convention of the Legislature of the 
State of New York, and every one of this vast 
concourse of interested spectators, will recognize 
the truth, the beauty, and the pertinency of the 
soul-stirring remarks made by the Adjutant Gene- 
ral, and of the polished and feeling response of the 
accomplished Senator. But, sir, there is not an 
individual who has witnessed this sad, solemn and 
impressive ceremony, but must feel that while 
these war-wrecked and blood-stained banners 
come to us as symbols of the bravery of the 
patriotic men who have gone forth from their 
homes to fight the battle for the Union, and tell 
us mutely but eloquently the thrilling story of 
the fierce and cruel strife through which they 
have been borne with so much honor and devo- 
tion — they come to us, also, as painful evidence 
that our beloved country, once so great, so pros- 
it perous and so noble; the home of freedom, the ,^, 
^- 5 ^^' 




34 

nursery of the arts, the hope of the oppressed, the 
model Government of the world — is shaking and 
reeling and rocking in the very throes and agony 
of dissolution. We should read the solemn lesson 
of this scene with but slight advantage, did we 
fail to be impressed with this sorrowful fact. 
Let us, then, here, to-day, as American citizens 
gathered in presence of a joint convention of the 
Legislature of the leading State in the Union, 
presided over by a Governor who lives in the 
hearts of the people, and whose noble sentiments 
have stirred the soul of the nation — let us here, 
to-day, renew and reconsecrate our devotion to 
our country. Let us, to-day, solemnly declare, 
what every man here present feels in the inmost 
depths of his heart, that wo will support the 
Government in all constitutional, proper and 
vigorous measures to prosecute this war for the 
suppression of a wicked rebellion, the restoration 
of the LTnion, and the vindication of the Consti- 
tution and the laws ! 

Let us pledge ourselves, that whatever we have 
of strength, of energy, of intellect, of ability, we 
will bring it here to-day, and lay it upon the 
altar, and c'onsecrate it to the service of our 








35 

country ! But while we do this, let us upon the 
bended knees of our broken hearts, beseech the 
God who rules over our beloved and stricken land, 
that He will again, and speedily, reunite us as one 
people and one government; that stretching forth 
His hand in mercy, and not in wrath. He will calm 
the angry passions of the human heart, and say to 
the fierce waves of strife — "Peace, be still!" 
Lieut. Gov. Jones, President of the Senate, said : 
Your Excellency and Gentlemen of the Senate 
AND Assembly — At this stage of the proceedings, 
allow me to read the following beautiful poem, 
from the pen of one of America's most accom- 
plished and favorite poets, Alfred B. Street : 

OUR UNION. 

Our Union, the gift of our fathers ! 

In wrath roars the tempest above ! 
The darker and nearer our danger, 

The warmer and closer our love. 
Though stricken, it never shall perish ; 

It bends, but not breaks to the blast; 
Foes rush on in fury to rend it, 

But we will stand true to the last 



Our Union, ordained of Jehovah 1 
Man sets not the fiat aside ; 

As well cleave the welkin asunder 
As the one mighty system divide. 






36 

The grand Mississippi sounds ever, 
From pine down to palm, tlie decree; 

The spindle, the corn, and the cotton, 
One paean, shout, Union, to thee 1 

Our Union, the lightning of battle 

First kindled the flame of its shrine I 
The blood and the tears of our people 

Have made it forever divine. 
In battle we then will defend it 1 

Will fight till the triumph is won ! 
Till tlie States form the realm of the Union 

As the sky forms the realm of the sun. 

Governor Seymour said : 

GentlejNien of the Senate and Assembly — I can 
add, by no words of mine, to this impressive and 
solemn scene. You have heard from a Repre- 
sentative of the Senate, and from a Member of 
the Assembly of the State. You have listened to 
the earnest words of one who, himself a soldier, 
can with so much truth and eloquence depict the 
dangers and the heroism of a soldier's life. You 
have heard, too, the beautiful thought and musical 
language of the poet. But above all, you have 
seen the banners, which, but a short time since, 
were carried forth in all their brightness and their 
beauty, borne by stalwart men, who went out 
from their happy homes to fight the battles of 






37 

their country, brought back to us blood-stained 
and torn, and telling us more eloquently than can 
any language, of the heroism and devotion of their 
defenders. 

Alas ! for the unreturning brave ! Alas ! that 
so few of those who fought beneath the folds of 
these flags, are left to tell their history as they 
come forth from the terrible strife defaced and 
tattered, but more dear to us than in their original 
brightness and beauty. 

I will not weaken the effect of this touching 
and impressive ceremony by any farther remarks. 
May Almighty God, in His goodness, grant that 
the heavy sacrifices we have made, may not be 
in vain ; but that with patriotism quickened and 
elevated by the trials we have undergone, we 
may be taught to better appreciate and more 
faithfully discharge the duties of American citi- 
zens ; and may lie, who holds all nations in the 
hollow of His hand, pardoning our many sins, 
restore to us our glorious and beloved Union, so 
that we may again enjoy the blessings of peace, 
beneath a Government reinvigorated and strength 
ened by the deep sorrows and the fierce struggle 
through which it has passed. 








38 

Gentlemen of the Senate and Assembly, it now 
only remains for me to put the question upon the 
resolutions presented to this joint convention by 
Senator Smith. 

The resolutions were then, by a unanimous 
vote, adopted. 

Hon. Gilbert Dean, of New York, said : 

Your Excellency — I have been a silent sjDecta- 
tor of this impressive ceremony, and Avould have 
remained so but for the omission of any provision 
for the official publication of what has here occur- 
red. The involuntary tribute paid in tears, so 
freely shed by manly eyes, at the sight of these 
torn and soiled emblems of American nationality, 
attest the deep and ineradicable devotion of our 
peojole to their Government, and demand that a 
record should bo made of the event. 

The brave men who, at the summons of honor 
and of duty, have gone forth to uphold the national 
authority, should know the sentiments of the 
people of the State, as embodied and expressed 
at its Capitol. 

Here, to day. both branches of the Legislature, 
representing the entire peojDle, in the presence of 
the Executive of their choice and with his con 








39 

currence, have solemnly and unanimously resolved 
that whatever differences may exist as to the 
causes of the present position of public affairs — 
as to the manner of conducting the war — or the 
propriety of this or that administrative measure — 
under no circumstances can or will the State 
of New York consent to a dissolution of this Union. 
(Applause.) That to prevent it every energy 
shall be exerted, and the illimitable means and 
unbounded resources of the State shall be applied. 
Let this solemn declaration, and the manner in 
which these flags have been received, be read by 
the officer in his quarters ; by the soldier on his 
lonely picket post, or by the light of his camp-fire. 
It will cheer and encourage ; it will stimulate the 
heart and nerve the arm, as it tells to each that, 
while his toils and sacrifices are appreciated, and 
his memory cherished at home, the object for 
which he forfeits domestic comfort and imperils 
life is the noblest that ever summoned christian 
soldier to the field— National Unity — that, though 
in the struggle he may fall, yet the sacred symbol 
passed from dying hands to surviving comrades 
will be preserved, red with patriot blood, efful- 
gent with the glorious achievements of a citizen 






40 

osldiery, and will be deposited in the archives 
of the State, there to be preserved among its 
choicest treasures. Let us not confine these pro- 
ceedings to the narrow boundaries of this chamber, 
but send them abroad, so that at least every volun- 
teer from the State of New York shall know what 
has been said and done here to-day ; for that pur- 
pose I move that there be printed under the super- 
vision of the Governor and Adjutant General two 
hundred thousand copies of the proceedings of the 
joint convention of the Legislature, and the pre- 
sentation of flags by the Adjutant General to the 
State, in the presence of the Governor, Senate 
and Assembly, including the remarks of the 
speakers, (on superfine paper, with j)aper covers), 
the usual number to be furnished to the members, 
officers and reporters of each House, and a copy 
to be sent by the Governor to each of the volun- 
teers from this State; the residue, if any, to be 
deposited in the Bureau of Military Statistics for 
future use. 

The motion was then adopted. 

Governor Seymour then declared the joint con- 
vention dissolved, and the Governor, the Adjutant 
General and Senate withdrew from the chamber. 






41 

Hon. James Darct, of Kings, when the House 
was again called to order, said: 

Mr. Speaker — In honor of the proceedings of 
the joint convention, I move that the House now 
take a recess till 4 o'clock. 

The motion was unanimously agreed to, and the 
House took a recess. 







43 




HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL FLAG. 



The most interesting incident connected with 
the battle of Saratoga was the unfurling, for the 
first time, the Stars and Stripes at the surrender 
of Burgoyne. 

Bunker Hill was fought under a red flag, bear- 
ing the motto, " Come, if you dare 1" but on the 
14th of June, 1777, the Continental Congress 
resolved "That the flag of the thirteen United 
States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and 
white, and that the Union be thirteen stars, white 
on a blue field, representing a neAV constellation." 

This was made public on the 3d of September 
following. Previous to this our national banner 
was the Union flag, combining the crosses of St 
George and St. Andrew (taken from the English 
banner) with thirteen stripes, alternate red and 
white. The banner of St. Patrick (Ireland's 
emblem) was not combined with the crosses of 
St. George and St. Andrew in the standard of 
Great Britain until 1801, the year of the union 
with Ireland. 

The stars of the new flag represented the new 
constellation of States, the idea taken from the 
constellation Lyra, which signifies harmony. The 
blue of the field was taken from the Covenanters' 
banner in Scotland, likewise significant of the 
league and covenant of the United Colonies 
against oppression, and incidentally involving 
vigilance, perseverance and justice. The stars 
were disposed in a circle, symbolizing the perpe- ^^ 





44 

tuity of the Union, the circle being the sign of 
eternity. The thirteen stripes showed, with the 
stars, the number of the tinited Colonies, and 
denoted the subordination of the States to, and 
their dependence upon the Union, as well as 
equality among themselves. The whole was a 
blending of the various flags previous to the Union 
flag, viz : the red flags of the army and white ones 
of the floating batteries — the germ of our navy. 
The red color, also, which in Roman days was the 
signal of defiance, denoted daring, and the white 
purity. 

What eloquence do the Stars and Stripes 
breathe, when their full significance is known ! 
A new constellation ; union ; perpetuity ; a cove- 
nant against oppression ; equality ; subordination ; 
courage; purity. 

By the United States law of January 13, 1794, 
it was enacted " that, from and after the first of 
May, 1795, the flag of the United States shall be 
fifteen stripes, alternate red and white," and 
" that the Union be fifteen stars, white in a blue 
field." This was our national flag during the war 
of 1812. 

On the 4th of April, 1818, Congress altered the 
flag, by directing a return to the thirteen stripes, 
as follows : 

" Be it enacted, etc.. That from and after the 
4tli day of July next, the flag of the United States 
be thirteen horizontal stripes, alternate red and 
white; that the Union be twenty stars, white, in 
a blue field. 

" And be it further enacted, That, on the admis- 
sion of a new State into the Union, one star be 
added to the union cf the flag ; and that such 
addition shall take effect on the 4th day of July 
next succeeding such admission." 






45 



The return to the thirteen stripes was by reason 
of the anticipation that the addition of a stripe on 
the admission of each State would make the flag 
too unwieldy. The old number of stripes also 
perpetuated the original number of States of the 
Union, while the addition of the stars showed the 
Union in its existing state. 

The flag planted by our troops in the city of 
Mexico, at the conclusion of the Mexican war, 
bore thirty stars. 

The size of the flag for the army is six feet six 
inches in length, by four feet four inches in width, 
with seven red and six white stripes. The first 
seven stripes (four red and three white) bound the 
square of the blue field for the stars, the stripes 
extending from the extremity of the field to the 
end of the flag. The eighth stripe is white, 
extending partly at the base of the field. The 
number of stars is thirty-five. 







47 




MEMBERS OF THE N. Y. LEGISLATURE, 1863. 



Lieut. Gov. D. E. PLOYD JONES, President of tlie Senate. 



SE1ST.A.XOK.S- 




__ Monroe Henderson. 
.__ Jesse C. Smith. 
._ .Henry C. Murphy. 
._ .Christian B. Woodruff. 
._ .Charles G. Cornell. 
...John J. Bradley. 
._ .Richard B. Connolly. 
...Hezekiah D. Robertson. 
...Henry R. Low. 
...Jacob S. Freer. 
...William H. Tobey. 
...Ralph Richards. 
...John V. L. Pruyn. 
. _ . Joseph H. Ramsey. 

William Clark. 

RussEL M. Little. 

__ .Charles C Montgomery 

James A. Bell. 

Alexander H. Bailey. 

George A. Hardin. 

...Richard K. Sandford. 

Allen Munroe. 

Henry A. Clark. 

Lyman Truman. 

...Chauncey M. Abbott. 
...Charles J. Folger. 
Charles Cook. 





District 28. _ 
29_. 
30. _ 
31.. 
32-. 



48 

..Lysander FarrAr. 
_ . Almanzor Hutchinson. 
..Wilkes Angel. 
..John Ganson. 
..Horace C. Young. 







49 




MEMBERS OF ASSEMBLY. 



Hon. THEOPHILUS 0. CALLIOOT, Speaker. 



Dist 




Name. 

Adgate, George - - 
1. Allen, Andrew L. - 
Aldricii, Newton - - 
Andrus, Albert - - 
3. Bemis, Horace - - - 
1. Benjamin, Charles A. 

1. BOOKSTAVER, JeSSE F. - 

6. Boswell, Henry C. - 

2. BosTwiCK, Elias W. - 
1. Brand, William H. - 

3. Breed, Joseph - - - 
1. Brockett, Ira - - 

3. Brown, William - - 

1. Brooks, William - - 
Chickering, John - - 

2. Church, Cornelius A. 
Clark, Elizur - - ■ 

1. Collins^ Thaddeus W. 

4. Conger, Anson G. - • 
Cornell, Ezra - - 

1. Courtney, Robert W. ■ 
Cruttenden, Alvah E. 

2. Cutler, John - - 
4. Darcy, James - - - 

Davis, Nathaniel W. 
L5. Dean, Gilbert - - 
Depew, Chauncey M. 
7 



County 

- Clinton. 
Cattaraugus. 

- AVarren. 
Franklin. 

- Steuben. 
Jefferson. 

- Ulster. 

• Kings. 

- Columbia. 

• Madison. 

- Onondaga. 

- Saratoga. 

- Monroe 

- Otsego. 

- Lewis. 

- Otsego. 

- Onondaga. 

- Wayne. 

- Erie. 
Tompkins. 

- Delaware. 

- Allegany. 

- Albany. 

- Kings. 

- Tioga. 

- New York. 

- Westchester 





50 





Dist 


Name. 


County- 


2. 


Dewey, Lanson - - - 


Ontario. 


3. 


Dewey, William - - - 


Jefferson. 


2. 


Dow, Albert G. - - - 


Cattaraugus. 


2. 


Doughty, Joseph C. - - 


Dutchess. 


2. 


DuRFEE, Lemuel - - - 


Wayne. 


1. 


DuRYEA, Charles T. - - 


Queens. 


1. 


DuTCHER, Luther S. - - 


Dutchess. 


1. 


Field, Perez H. - - - 


Ontario. 


17. 


Fields, Thomas C. - - 


New York. 


2. 


Fisher, Francis B. - - - 


Chenango. 


1. 


Fletcher, Benjamin H - 


Niagara. 


1. 


Flynn, Cornelius - - - 


New York. 


9. 


Freeman, David V. - - 


New York. 




Frean, Theodore - - - 


Richmond. 


2. 


Gilbert, Francis R. - - 


Delaware. 




Gillespie, William - - 


Sullivan. 


4. 


GovER, AVilliam C. - - 


New York. 




Green, Loren - - - - 


Genesee. 




Haring, James S. - - - 


Rockland. 


2. 


Havens, John S. - - - 


Suffolk. 




Havens, Palmer E. - - 


Essex. 




Heacock, Willard J. - - 


Fult. and Hamilton. 




Healy, Byron - - - - 


Wyoming. 


8. 


Hill, Thomas H. - - - 


New York. 


3. 


Hopkins, Timothy A. 


Erie. 


2. 


Hopkins, Ervin, Jr. - - 


Washington. 


2. 


Houghton, Nathaniel M. 


Saratoga. 


2. 


Hughes, Bernard - - - 


Kings. 




Hulett, Charles - - - 


Chemung. 


14. 


HuTCHiNGS, Robert C. - - 


New York. 


3. 


Johnson, Samuel E. - - 


Kings. 




King, Vincent C. - - - 


New York. 


1. 


KiSSELBRACK, PeTER G. - 


Columbia. 


6. 


KoRN, Julius - - - - 


New York. 


2. 


Lake, Henry C. - - - 


Chautauqua. 




Lawrence, Samuel - - - 


Schuyler. 





Dist. 

2. 
11. 

2. 

7. 

2 

2. 

3. 

2, 
16. 

4. 

1. 

2. 

1. 




51 

Name. 

Leamy, Daniel - - - 
Ledwith, Thomas A. - 
Le Fever, Jacob - - ■ 
Leslie, Charles P. - - 
LooMis, Hiram W. - ■ 
LoTT, Henry S. - - 
LouTREL, George L. - ■ 
Loveridge, Edward D. 
MgCann, Michael - ■ 
McDouGALL, Isaac - - 
McGoNEGAL, George E. • 
McGowAN, Archibald C. 
McKeon, James - - 
McLean, James - - - 
McShea, John, Jr, - 
Marshall, John E. - 
Mattoon, Abner C. - 
Mayham, Stephen L. - 
Miller, Levi - - - 
Morgan, William - - 
MouLTON, Freeman P. 
MuNRO, James M. - - 
Murphy, John W. 
O'Brien, Daniel M. - 
, Oswald, William L. - 
, Palmer, Harvey - - 
Parks, John - - - 
. Parker, Abraham X. - 
. Paulding, John - - 
. Post, George I. - - 
. Prescott, Daniel M. 
. Prindle, Elizur H. 
. Quackenbush, John A. 
. Redington, James - - 
. Robinson, William P. 
Roe, Luke - - - - 



County. 

New York. 

New York. 

Ulster. 

Kings. 

Oswego. 

Queens. 

New York. 

Allegany. 

New York. 

Oneida. 

Monroe. 

Herkimer. 

Rensselaer. 

Seneca 

Schenectady. 

Westchester. 

Oswego. 

Schoharie. 

Jefferson. 

Niagara. 

Montgomery. 

Onondaga. 

Erie. 

New York. 

Albany. 

■ Oswego. 
Orleans. 

. St. Lawrence. 
Kings. 

■ Cayuga. 
Oneida. 

- Chenango. 
Rensselaer. 

- St. Lawrence. 
Cayuga. 

- Greene. 






52 



Dist 


Name. 


County. 


5. 


Rogers, Henry - - 


- New York. 


2. 


Rouse, George L. - - 


- Madison. 


2. 


Seymour, Horatio 


- Erie. 




Shaw, Guy - - - - 


- Yates. 


3. 


Sherman, Asa S. - - 


- Oneida. 


2. 


Sherwood, Henry - - 


- Steuben. 




Skinner, Samuel - - 


- Livingston. 


12. 


Smith, Andrew - - - 


- New York. 


1. 


Smith, Hamilton E. - 


- Livingston. 




Smith, Francis B. - - 


- Broome. 




Smith, Saxton - - 


- Putnam. 


1. 


Snyder, William J. 


- Albany, 


3. 


Strait, Ebenezer S. - 


- Rensselaer. 


1. 


Steward, John - - - 


- Chautauqua. 


1. 


Sweet, Griffin - - 


- Herkimer, 


1. 


Taggart, John W - - 


- Steuben. 


1. 


Talman, Pierre C. - 


- Westchester. 


1. 


Teft, Asa C. - - - 


- Washington. 


1. 


Townsley, Elias p. - 


- St. Lawrence 


2. 


Trimmer, Eliphaz - - 


- Monroe. 


1. 


Van Buren, John D. - 


- Orange. 




Van Hoesen, Henry B. 


- Cortland. 


3. 


Wait, Henry L - - 


- Albany. 


13. 


Ward, Alexander - - 


- New York. 


1. 


Weaver, Abram B. - 


- Oneida. 


3. 


Westbrook, Ebenezer 


- Ulster. 


1. 


Wiggins, Benjamin - 


- Suffolk. 


2. 


Woodward Charles S. 


- Orange. 






p 






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